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This round’s on … Dewar’s Stephanie Macleod

SINGAPORE — In such a male-dominated field, Stephanie Macleod stands out as only the seventh person to hold the proud title of Dewar’s Master Blender. And, yes, she is the first woman to take charge. A former Sensory Analyst at the University of Strathclyde, her strong science background is one of her defining assets. She has a keen nose and mind any whisky lover would trade their best drinking jackets for in a heartbeat. But how much of the art of whisky–making would she say is less methodical and more, well, magical?

Dewar’s Master Blender Stephanie Macleod.

Dewar’s Master Blender Stephanie Macleod.

SINGAPORE — In such a male-dominated field, Stephanie Macleod stands out as only the seventh person to hold the proud title of Dewar’s Master Blender. And, yes, she is the first woman to take charge. A former Sensory Analyst at the University of Strathclyde, her strong science background is one of her defining assets. She has a keen nose and mind any whisky lover would trade their best drinking jackets for in a heartbeat. But how much of the art of whisky–making would she say is less methodical and more, well, magical?

“My science background has allowed me to apply sensory science when nosing and tasting whisky, and by that I mean using controlled conditions to assess the blends, and applying statistical techniques to ensure that preferences for a particular blend are valid,” Macleod explained. “However, to date, science cannot explain exactly why Scotch whisky tastes the way it does, so experimentation with combining different malts from different cask types is still crucial to the development of Dewar’s Blended Scotch whiskies, and of course our Single Malt Scotch whiskies.”

The brand’s latest release, The Legacy Collection 1893, places obvious attention to prestige in the choice of whiskies selected for this blend, with inclusions such as the oldest single malt in the Dewar’s vault — which stays close to what Macleod asserted is central to Dewar’s. “At Dewar’s we have a house style, which I feel is important to adhere to when creating a new blend, so all the whiskies used in the creation of these very fine Scotch whiskies have an important part to play in the symphony of the blend.”

 

Q: Most memorable dish you’ve had with a fine whisky?

A: It has to be Dewar’s Legacy with creme brulee — divine!

 

Q: Your favourite tipple not made from malt or grain?

A: A full-bodied Bordeaux or a fine Cognac.

 

Q: The drink you reach for when life throws you lemons?

A: I tend to hit the gym when life throws lemons, but there is nothing better than enjoying a Dewar’s with good friends.

 

Q: Worst thing you’ve done to a good drink?

A: I honestly can’t think of anything, apart from accidentally spilling it.

 

Q: Do women drink very differently from men?

A: In my experience, I don’t think they do. I believe that the whisky-drinking consumer is looking for interesting flavours and interesting stories behind the flavours, as well as brand provenance.

 

Q: Biggest misconception about whisky and women?

A: The biggest misconception is that women don’t like whisky. In my experience, this is not the case. Scotch whisky has a whole range of flavour profiles to experience. Each blend, each distillery, each age, each cask type presents a new adventure in flavour to the consumer.

 

Q: Your favourite flavours in a whisky, and why?

A: Goodness, it’s difficult to choose. However, I love creamy vanilla and honey, almonds, spice. Coconut is always a surprise to people, but it does exist in the flavour profile of whisky. I also appreciate fresh notes of citrus and grassy and herbal notes.

DON MENDOZA

 

Priced at S$4,888, the Dewar’s 1893 edition is the first of three whiskies that make up the limited-edition The Legacy Collection. Available at travel retail outlets including DFS stores at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

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